Drafting machine



jan, 23, 1945. A` HElRETH 2,368,021

DRAFTING MACHINE Filed June 4, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet l MMM/WQ@ ATTORNEYS lan., 23, i945. A- HEIRETH y2,368,021

DRAFTING MACHINE Filed June 4, 194IL` 2Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. 23, 1945 DRAFTING MACHINE Arvid Heireth, Bergenfield, N. J., assigner to Keuel & Esser Company, Hoboken, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application June 4, 1941, Serial No. 396,493

21 Claims.

This invention relates generally to parallel motion drafting devices of the kind in which the several tools which the draftsman handles most frequently are embodied, in principle, in one unit to obviate the necessity of a draftsman reaching about for a required tool and thereby enabling the draftsman to keep his attention concentrated directly upon the drawings. Drafting devices of this character are common in which adjacent ends of two arms usually of equal length are pivoted together, the free end of one arm being secured to a remote portion of a drafting board while the free end of the other arm is provided with a head comprising a protractor and straightedges which are fixed in angularrelation with respect to one another to move about the center of the protractor as an axis. The straight-edges are usually made of box wood or Celluloid and easily become damaged if brought into contact with a hard surface or edge.

Ordinarily, the end of the arm is secured to the drafting board by means of an anchor, so-called, with which the straight-edges at the free end of the articulated arm sometimes come into contact, with consequent damage to the straight-edges so that straight lines may no longer be drawn therewith.

The primary object of the present invention is to prevent damage to the straight-edges and other drawing tools when brought into contact with the anchor. To this end, it is proposed to cushion or shield the straight-edges from the anchor by means of suitable yielding or soft material interposed between the anchor and the straight-edges and which will prevent damage to the straight-edges if brought into contact therewith. In carrying the inventioninto effect, in one of its aspects, the shielding devices may take the form either of yielding or resilient non-metallic material which will yield upon contact with the straight-edges and is sufficiently soft not to abrade or otherwise damage the straight-edges. In another aspect of the invention, yielding or resilient metallic material is interposed between the straight-edges and the relatively hard and unyielding anchor which yielding or resilient material, when engaged by the straight-edges, will yield so as not to damage the straight-edges.

The invention also has for an object practical and effective devices usually, although not necessarily of metal, by which the cushioning material may be retained in position against displacement.

The invention also seeks shielding devices of the character described which are practical from the standpoint of ease and simplicity of manufacture and durability and practicability in use.

These and other objects of the invention and the means for their attainment will be more apparent `from the following detailed description,

taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments by which the invention may be realized and in which:

Figure 1 is a view, in plan, showing one form of anchor 'to which the shielding devices of this. invention are applied;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view of the anchor in front elevation looking from the line 2-2 of Figure 1 in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view showing the anchor in side elevation looking from the line 3-3 of Figure 1 in the direction of the arrows, the table being in elevation;

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view of that portion of the anchor overlying the'table taken in the plane indicated by the line 4-4 of Figure 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows, the table being omitted in the interest of simplicity of illustration;

Figure 5 is a longtudinal view taken in the plane indicated by the line 5--5 of Figure 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows, parts of the anchor being broken away;

Figure 6 is a View showing that portion of the anchor overlying ythe table, as if looking from below in Figure 1 and showing particularly the removable cushioning deviceof this modification;

Figure 7 is a plan view showing another modification of the invention applicable particularly to other forms of anchor, parts being broken away to show details of construction and the straight-edge of the drafting machine used in drawing so-called vertical lines being indicated in broken lines in three positions;

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view taken in the plane indicated by the broken line 8-8 of Figure 7, looking in the direction of the arrows, the table being shown in section;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view looking from above and showing a further form taken by the invention;

Figure 10 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken in the plane indicated by the line ID--l of Figure 9 and looking in the direction of the arrows, the table being shown in section;

Figure 11 shows in fragmentary form still another modification of the invention wherein the cushion retaining means is integral with the anchor;

Figure 12 is a vertical sectional view taken in the plane indicated by the line l2--I2 of Figure 1l, looking in the direction of the arrows, the table being in section;

Figure 13 is a fragmentary view in plan showing another aspect taken by the form of the invention of Figures '7 and 8 wherein the yielding material extends beyond the retaining member;

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken in the plane indicated by the line l4--I4 of Figure 13 and looking in the direction of the arrows, the table being in section; and

Figure 15 shows, in plan, still another modification of the invention, wherein the cushioning member is of yielding metallic material.

The drafting machine anchor illustrated in Figures 1 through 6 has in principle substantially y Y the forni of that shown in the C. W. Keuel Patent No. 2,266,765, dated December 23, 1941.. and comprises an elongated housing 5` having a;

plane surface 9 for engagement with the remote side II of a drafting table. The housing 5 is, shown as elongated and provided at each end with a bracket I3 in which is rotatably mounted Villustrated the portion I9 is` relatively narrow in the transverse direction of the table and relatively longer inthe direction of vertical lines drawn on the table.

The portion I9 must, obviously, be formed` of metal to affordthe necessary strength and rigidity; 'Such hard material, if* engaged by the straight-edges, often damages the edges so that straight lines cannot be drawn therewith. It is proposed, therefore, to cushion the anchor member I9 and provide a yielding non-metallic surface, in the embodiment of this ligure, which, if engaged bythe straight-edges, will result in no damage thereto. To this end, a guard member is provided which, preferably, is formed ofyielding non-metallic material, such as rubber, preferably having ay high degree of resiliency and elasticity. The guard member isV conveniently removable and comprises the side walls 23 and forward end wali 25, all depending from a top Wall 2l so that the guard member may be slipped over the anchor portion I9V and substantially cover all exposed surfaces thereof.

' Preferably, in order to retain the cushioning device 23-2l in position, the bottom edges ofthe side walls 23 may be connected by a transversely extending strip of yielding or elastic material 29 (Figure 6) which will give when the cushionf ing member'is forced on the member I9 but which,y when` in position thereon, will holdA the cushioning member in position by virtue of its elasticity. In the illustrated embodiment, the member I9 is formed with a transversely extending recessed portion 3 I to receive the strap 29 and prevent its displacement and thereby prevent the accidental removal of the cushioning member from the anchor portion I9. Thus no drawing tool, such as a straight-edge, can come into contact with the exposed metallic portion of the anchor, since in every position it will contact some portion of the cushioning wall 23,25.

If desired, rearwardly or adjacent the pivotofy the drafting machine arm, the wall of the cushioning member may be enlarged or thickened, as at 35, to providev a bumper portion to intercept a straight-edge and prevent it from contacting with any metallichousing portion 39 for the pivot ofthe counterbalancing means. curved rib 36 alsoof non-metallic material may be formed on the upper surface of the inner ex* If desired, a`

lieve theA loadr on counterbalancing devices.

2,368,021 "1 l j tremity of the sleeve and so shaped as to con.

form to the shape of the anchor at that point.

A cushioning member of the character described serves conveniently es a. resting place for the head of the drafting machine when not in fuse, particularly in those situations where the drafting board is inclined and it is desired to hold the head out of the way when not in use to rethis, end, thelfront edge 25 of the cushioning device may be provided with a bead 33 to serve as a stop behind which the head may be disposed, the bead 33 functioning to prevent the head from Slipping oi the anchor.

A modication of the invention is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. Here the anchor portion resting on the table is shown as taking the form of a generally rectangular portion 40 to which the articulated arm, indicated in broken lines, at 4I, is pivoted as at 42; Suchanchor member 4I! is secured to the table in any convenient manner as by a depending clamp supporting member 43 extending around the table. A cushioning device, such as of yielding non-metallic material, for instance rubber, inthe form of a three-sided frame comprised of the side portions 44, 43' and a front end portion 48 may surround the anchor member 40- in close proximity but,`as illustrated, in spaced relation thereto. Conveniently, the yielding non-metallic material'is retainedin position by a metallic frame comprised of aplate portion 50 preferably of slightly larger area than the anchor member andy adapted to be disposed beneath the anchor portion 40'and held in place thereby and an upwardly extending wall7 portion S21-extending along the three adjacent edges of plate 50 so as'to bev disposed in spaced relation to the'anchor portion 4I). Thevertical wall portion is conveniently formedI with an overlying portion 54` extending in a horizontaipiane away from the anchor portion on al1 three sides there'- of above the table to retain therebelow the yielding non-metallic cushioning frame 48. As shownl the outer face of the non-metallic material is flush with'the edge of the Irame'portion 54. In' Figures 1,3and 14, a somewhatsimilar construction is-shown in'whic-h like parts are given similar reference characters. However, in thisy form. ol" the invention, the rubber cushion 43'extends be;- yond'the retaining plate 41 and the exposed corners 45are rounded. Thus, as illustrated in Figure '7,l the straight-eedge 56, whether it is` in the position generally indicated bythe broken line; position-at A or B or- C, cannot contact with the metal ofthe anchor-40 ybut is shielded therefrom andcushionedv by the rectangular'strip of yield' ing or non-metallic cushion.

A rn'odifiedY form of the invention illustrated in Figures l and 8- is illustrated inI Figuresy 9 and 10 wherein a three-sidedstxip of yielding non-metallic material 60 `is retained against1 displacement surrounding the anchor 40: This three-sided strip is illustrated as rectangular in cross-section and is held -inplace by a metallic frame-consisting ofvv ahorizontal portion 62 and' a ,portion {i4-'dependingy fromY the inside edge, of

edge.

of the anchor 40 for engagement `by straightedges. i

Ano-ther form taken by the invention is illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 wherein a vertical peripheral flange lll is formed integral with the anchor' portion i2 which rests upon the table l0 and is positioned bythe anchor portion d3. At the upper portion of the peripheral flange 7D there is an integral horizontal rim 14 extending outwardly on the three sides of the anchor portion 'ill over the drafting table. A strip of yielding non-*netallic materiafl' is disposed within the space defined by the wall 'I0 and the rim 14 and retained therebetween on the table to cushion engagement of a straight-edge if brought in Contact therewith. If desired, the yielding nonmetallic material strip 'i6 of Figures 11 and 12 may extend considerably beyond the ange 14 as has been explained in respect of the modifications illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, thus affording relatively more yielding material extending beyond the limit of the flange 16, to avoid any contact of any part of the head with the anchor.

While the various cushions hereinbefore described have ybeen illustrated in Figures 7 through 14 as rectangular in cross-section, it will be obvious that the cushions may assume varying shapes, such as cylindrical or tubular and still be capable of being held in position in the manner illustrated. Furthermore, while the cushion has been specifically described as rubber, which may of course also be sponge rubber, felt, synthetic sponge-like material or other non-metallic material may be used even though not yielding er resilient 'to the degree of rubber, as, for instance, pith, just so long as its composition will not be hard enough to mar or break the straightedges on impact.

There are many drafting machine anchors in use which differ in size and shape, but in every situation it is desirable to prevent contact of the straight-edges with the hard material of the anchor. In addition to the foregoing instrumentalities which can be availed f to afford a buffer or bumper for the straight edges, a further modification is shown in Figure 15. An anchor portion overlying the edge of a table I0 is illustrated generally in broken lines and identified by the reference character 80., A yielding or resilient metallic member, such as a leaf spring 82 is preferably of a length greater than the width of the member 80 and is coiled at its ends, as at 84. The looped extremities 8'5 are secured, as by screws 86, to the table i0 in such position that the yielding or spring-like metallic mamfber 82 is disposed in spaced relation to the anchor 80. Suchl a spring can be o-f very light and flexible material. While not soft, as rubber can be, it is nevertheless yielding upon impact of a straight- If a straight-edge touches either the portion 82 or the central portion 88, the spring Will yield and serve as a cushion preventing contact of the straight-edge with the anchor 8D. inherent resiliency and yielding characteristics of. the spring will not abrade or otherwise damage a straight-edge coming in contact therewith.

It will thus be seen that devices are provided which may be interposed between the straightedges of a drafting machine and the anchor thereof te yield and therefore cushion impact of the straight-edges and prevent contact with the relatively hard surfaceof the anchor and consequent damage to the edges. Such cushioning devices may be of yielding non-metallic material or of yielding metallic material, preferably uresilient The or elastic. 'Ihey may be either permanently mounted with respect to the anchor either on the anchor or on the drafting table. Moreover, they may be removably mounted on the anchor as a U-shaped member telescoped thereover, or mounted on the drafting table. Moreover, such devices may, in effect, be interchangeable so that the same device is applicable to anchors of .various shapes and forms. Various modifications will occur to those skilled in the art in the composition, configuration and disposition of the component elements going to make up the invention as a whole as Well as in the situation in which the same is used, and no limitation is intended by the phraseology of the foregoing specification or illustrations4 in the accompanying drawings except as indicated in th appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the character described, the combination with a drafting machine comprising means adapted to be anchored to a drafting table and a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, of cushioning means and means proximate the anchored means to retain the cushioning' means interposed between the anchored means and the straight-edge means.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination with a drafting machine comprising means adapted to -be anchored to a drafting table and a. straight-edgel movable over the drafting table, of cushioning means and means carried by the anchored means to secure the cushioning means between the anchored means and the straight-edge means in the plane of movement of the straight-edge means.

3. In a device of the character described, the combination with a drafting machine comprising means adapted to be anchored toa drafting table and a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, of cushioning means and means to secure the cushioning means to the surface of the drafting table proximate the anchored means in the path of movement of the straight-edge means.

4. In a device of the character described, the combination with a drafting machine comprising means adapted to be anchored to a drafting table and a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, of cushioning means comprising yielding non-metallic material and means to position the cushioning means proximate the anchored means in the path of movement of the straight-edge means.

5. In a device of the character described, the combination with a drafting machine comprising means adapted to be anchored to a drafting table and a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, of cushioning means comprising yielding material and means to position the cushioning means proximate the anchored means in the path of movement of the straight-edge.

6. In a device of the character described, the combination with a drafting machine comprising means adapted to be anchored to a drafting table and a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, of cushioning means and means to retain the cushioning means proximate the anchored means and in the path of movement of the straight-edge.

7. In a device of the character described, the combination with a drafting machine comprising means adapted to be anchored to a drafting table and a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, of cushioning means comprising resilient metallic material proximate the anchored means and interposed between the anchored means and the straight-edge means,

8. In a device of the character described; the

lcombination with a drafting machine .comprisih means adapted to be anchored to a drafting table and a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, of cushioning means proximate the anchored means and interposed between the anchored means and the straight-edge, aframe to position the cushioning means and means to secure the frame to the table.

9. In a device of the character described, the combination with a drafting machine comprising means adapted to be anchored to a drafting table and a vstraight-edge `movable over the drafting table. of cushioning means .proximate the al1- chored .means and interposed between the anchored means and the straight-edge, and .a frame integral with the anchoring means to position the cushioning means.

10.. In a device `of the-'character described, the combination with a drafting machine commising means adapted `to be anchored to a drafting table and .a .straight-.edge movable *over the drafting table, of cushioning means and a `frame having means .interposed between the anchored means and the drafting table to retain the cushinning means in position in Ithe path o f movement `of the straight-edge..

.11. In a. device ,of the lcharacter described, the combination with a drafting machine comprislng .means adapted to be anchored to a drafting table and a straight-edge movable over the .drafting table, of cushioning .means Acomprising a leaf spring `of resilient metallic material Aproximate the anchored means andin the .path of movement of the straight-edge, .said leaf spring having coiled ends .and a screw passing through each coiled end and entering the table to secure the spring in place.

l2. In a device of .the character described, the combination with a drafting machine comprisinganchoring means adapted to extend over a drafting ,table and .a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, of generally tubular cushioning means telescoping over the anchoring means and interposed between lthe .anchoringmeans and the straight-edge and in vthe'paatth .0f ,movement of the straight-edge.

v13. 'In a device of .the character described, Athe combination with a drafting machine ,comprising an elongated plate-like member adapted to be anchored to the surface of a drafting table and a straight-edge-movable ,over the `drafting table, .of cushioning means comprising yielding non-,metallic material vadapted to embrace three sides and cverlie the top of the anchored member and an elastic strip extending between the sidesbeneath the anchored means to retain `the cushioning means 4in posit-ion.

14. In `a device of the character described, the combination with a drafting .machine having a. straight-edge and comprising means overlying .a drafting table and adapted to be anchored thereto, and a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, of cushioning means comprising a'peripheralwall1 U-shaped in Vplan and having a `top member anda bottom member and adapted tc telescope overthe overlying means.

15. In a device of the character described, Athe combination with a drafting 4machine having a straight-edge and comprising means overlying 1 a 'drafting table and Aadapted 'to be anchored tlreto, and .a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, of cushioning means of yielding non-metallic material comprisingen end wall and side walls and a covering ,surface member carried by the walls and adapted to fit over the anchored means .and interposed between the .anchored means and the straight-edge, said cushioning means being provided with a transversely extending strap having elastic characteristics between the bottom edges of the side Walls.

16. In a device of the character described, the combination with a drafting `machine having a straight-edge and comprising means overlying a drafting table `and adapted to be anchored thereto, and a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, of cushioning means of yielding nonmetallic material `comprising an end wall and side Vwalls and a `covering surface vmember carried by the walls .and adapted to t over the anchored means and interposed between the anchored means and the straight-edge, said cushioning means being provided with a transversely `extending strap having elastic characteristics between the bottom edges of the side walls and a bead on the upper surface of the cushioning means proximate the end thereof as a stop to prevent displacement of an element of the drafting machine placed on the cushioning means.

17. As .an article of manufacture, cushioning means for the anchor of a drafting machine having a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, comprising cushioning means telescoped over the anchor in the path of movement of the straight-edge.

vifi. As an article of manufacture, cushioning means for the anchor portion of a. .drafting machine overlying the drafting table and having a straight-edge movable vover the drafting table, comprising cushioning means of yielding nonmetallic material carried by the anchored means and in the path of movement Vof the straightedge.

19. In a device of the character described, the combination with a drafting machine comprising means adapted to be anchored to `a drafting table and a straight-.edge movable `over the drafting table, of cushioning means comprising a leaf spring of resilientl metallic Vmaterial proximate the anchored `means and in the path of movement .of the straight-edge and means to secure thespring in place.

20. 11n `a device of the character described, the combination with a drafting machine having a straight-edge land comprising means overlying a drafting table and adapted to be anchored thereto, and a straight-edge movable over the drafting table, of cushioning means of yielding non-.metallic material comprising an end wall and .side walls `and an upper surface member and adapted to fit over the anchored means.

2.1. Ina ydevice of the Acharacter' described, the combination with a drafting machine having means to anchor the drafting machine to a drafting table `and straight-edge means movable over the drafting table, said anchoring ymeans comprising frame means adapted to be disposed on Ithe upper side of the table and cushioning means at leastl on sides of the frame means in the -p'ath lof movement of the straight-edge means.

ARVID HEIREIH. 

